Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his push for the long-delayed Mindanao Railway Project, pressing the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to provide a clear timeline and financing plan after the project was left without a specific allocation in the proposed 2027 national budget.
During Senate deliberations on the DOTr’s 2027 budget on September 18, Go questioned the absence of funding for the railway despite the government’s continued investments in major rail projects elsewhere in the country.
“For many years, our people in Mindanao have waited for a modern railway system. Matagal na po itong hinihintay ng mga Mindanaoan. Napansin natin na wala pong budget for Mindanao Railway sa darating na taon. Gusto nating malaman ang status nito,” Go said.
The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program does not include a separate allocation for the Mindanao Railway. The DOTr had requested funding for the project, but it was not included in the NEP, according to Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.
Lopez said the department is continuing right-of-way acquisition using its general fund while seeking potential financing partners for the project.
“At patuloy naman po ang DOTr na nakikiusap, naghahanap ng kung sino pwedeng popondo po dito,” Lopez said.
The government is exploring foreign financing options, with India identified as a potential partner. The DOTr is also updating the railway’s feasibility study with assistance from the Asian Development Bank.
Go said the department should provide a concrete direction for the project so it does not remain stuck in the planning stage.
“We hope that the DOTr will provide us with a clear direction and timeline for this project and ensure that it does not remain merely a plan on paper. Mindanao deserves the same sustained investment in mass transportation and connectivity that we are pursuing in other parts of the country,” he said.
The first phase of the Mindanao Railway is planned to connect Tagum, Davao City and Digos (TDD) through a roughly 100-kilometer line. Preparatory work, including right-of-way acquisition, has continued despite the absence of a dedicated 2027 allocation.
Go linked the railway project to the broader need for balanced infrastructure development across the country, recalling the infrastructure policy during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Sabi niya, ituloy ’yan, makakatulong ’yan sa Pilipino. At sabi niya, wala po akong pinipili. From CAR, Region I hanggang Region 13. Sa buong Pilipinas sabi niya dapat pantay-pantay ang distribution ng mga proyekto,” Go recalled.
He also cited the development of airports in Bicol, Bohol, Cebu and Clark, as well as the Davao International Airport, which he said was deliberately placed later in the previous administration’s priorities to avoid perceptions of favoritism.
“At maalala ko rin po sabi niya, ihuli na yung Davao City dahil taga-doon siya, taga-doon kami sa Davao City. Sabi niya, ayaw kong unahin yung Davao City dahil baka sabihin nila inuna ko yung sarili kong lugar,” Go said.
Aside from the Mindanao Railway, Go also pressed the DOTr to accelerate the development of Mati Airport in Davao Oriental, which received P700 million under the 2026 national budget. The DOTr said right-of-way acquisition for the planned runway extension has been completed and the project is awaiting fund release before procurement.
Go said transportation infrastructure should expand economic opportunities and access to essential services across the country.
“Transportation has been a vital driver of our economy. It connects communities, supports economic growth, and enables our people to access education, employment, essential services, and greater opportunities. Importante rin po na hindi mapag-iwanan ang Mindanao pagdating sa transportation at infrastructure development,” Go added.
